Director Agriculture Jammu, Hari Krishan Razdan today inspected the farm fields in different areas of this border district.He visited Kossalian, Gulpur, Khari, Pounidhara,Degwar and Maldiyana villages and took stock of standing crop. The farmers apprised him that the production of paddy and maize has increased in their area with new interventions and introduction of various varieties.He was accompanied by Ramesh Kumar Misri, Chief Agriculture Officer, Poonch, S. Inderjeet Singh, District Agriculture Officer (Extension), Shashi Kant Sharma, ASCO, B. K. Chandan, SDAO, Poonch, S Charanjeet Singh, AEO (Inputs) and other field functionaries including JAEOs and VAEAs of the area.Director asked the farmers to diversify their farming and go for apiculture, mushroom and vegetable cultivation with the use of latest agriculture technology. He also stressed on organic farming for better yield.Razdan also interacted with the farmers at various villages to get firsthand knowledge of their difficulties and level of awareness about welfare schemes and programmes meant for them.Mr Razdan also assessed the general condition of current Kharif crops which included paddy, maize and pulses. He also visited the vegetable fields including that of progressive farmer Mohammad Sadiq who have significantly benefitted from interventions under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). He directed the field staff to make every effort to achieve the set targets for Soil Health Card Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Kissan Credit Card Scheme (KCCs) aimed at doubling farmers’ income by 2022.The Director Agriculture also inspected the under construction CAO office complex at the Airfield Road, Poonch.